Ancistrorhynchus

(pronounced: an-ciss-troh-RINK-uss)

Classification

Vandeae subtribe Aerangidinae

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Overview

Monopodial epiphytes often forming clumps. Stems short, rooting at the base, Leaves alternate, distichous, strap-shaped. Inflorescences axillary below the lowermost leaf, short, densely-flowered heads, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers white, sometimes marked with green. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip unlobed or obscurely three-lobed, sessile, with a funnel-shaped spur. Column straight, erect, with broad apical wings, the rostellum elongate, folded back on itself; pollinia 2, on separate stipes, the stipes convergent on an elongate common stipe, the stipe folded back on itself in natural position.

Etymology

From the Greek ankistron, meaning hook, and rhynchos, meaning snout, referring to the rostellum which is folded back on itself to form a hook.

Distribution

A genus of about 14 species widespread in Tropical Africa.

Care and Culture Card

See basic growing conditions and care information below.


Literature

Cribb, P. J., F. M. van der Laan and J. C. Arends 1989. Two new species of Orchidaceae from West Africa. Kew Bull. 44:479-483.

Summerhayes, V. S. 1944. African Orchids, XIV. Bot. Mus. Leafl. 11(7):201-214.
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